FAQs
Getting started
1
Is the first review really free?
Yes. The desktop review costs you nothing and carries no obligation to proceed.
Do I need to decide anything straight away?
No. Many landowners take weeks or months, often after talking it over with family and advisers.
What do you need from me?
The location of the land, its approximate size, how it is used and who owns it. Address or a title number is enough to start.
Will anyone contact the council or my neighbours?
Not during the review. Planning applications and local plan submissions are public, and we will always discuss timing with you before anything is submitted.
How long will it take?
It depends on the site and the council: from several months for a straightforward application to several years where a local plan allocation is needed. We will give you our honest expectation at the outset.
What are the chances my land gets permission?
We cannot guarantee it, and nobody honestly can. The desktop review gives you our realistic assessment, and we will tell you if we think the odds are poor.
What will it cost?
2
Do I pay anything?
You do not pay for anything, we cover all planning costs, survey costs, consultants' fees and application fees, and we can contribute to your solicitor's and land agent's reasonable fees.
How is the price set?
The price we pay you if we secure planning permission is agreed through negotiation with you at the start and written into the option agreement.
What if planning is refused?
The agreement ends, you keep your land and you owe us nothing. Where there is a realistic case, we may appeal or revise the scheme first, at our cost.
What about tax?
Selling land can have Capital Gains Tax and inheritance tax implications, and the rules change. Please speak to your accountant before agreeing terms. We cannot give tax advice.
Your land and your rights
3
Do I still own my land during the option?
Yes. Signing an option does not transfer ownership. You keep using the land as normal.
Do I lose control of my land?
No. Signing an option does not transfer ownership, and you keep using the land as normal until completion. Our access visits are always arranged with you in advance, and any damage is put right.
Can I sell only part of my land?
Yes. Agreements often cover part of a holding, with access and boundaries planned so the rest keeps working after the sale.
Can the land be sold to someone else during the option period?
Not without the option being honoured. The agreement is registered on your title, which protects it.
Do I need a solicitor?
Yes, and we encourage it. You should take independent legal advice before signing anything.
What if I have tenants or a mortgage?
Tell us at the start. Tenancies, mortgages and other restrictions can usually be dealt with, but they affect the timetable.
What if there are several owners?
All owners need to agree. We are happy to speak to everyone together, or to their advisers.
Why work with us?
4
Why work with a land promoter rather than sell on the open market?
Land is normally valued for its current use, such as farming or grazing. If it could one day be developed for homes, its value can be much higher, but only once planning permission is granted. Working with us will mean you should get a higher price for your land than if you sold it on the open market.
Why not apply for planning myself?
You can, but it is costly and uncertain. Surveys, consultants, application fees and any appeal can run to hundreds of thousands of pounds, and a refusal means that money is lost. Under our option agreement that cost and risk sit with us, not you.
What makes you different from other promoters and developers?
We work with you throughout the agreement, you deal with Amy and Scott from first call to completion, we will take the time to explain everything in plain English and use our experience, funding, and professional team to deliver results.
Will you push me to decide quickly?
No. There is no deadline from us, and we encourage you to take your time, talk to family and take independent advice. A good agreement should still look good after your advisers have read it.
Will you keep me informed?
Yes. Amy and Scott will be your contacts, and we will update you at each key stage: surveys, pre-application advice, submission, consultation, committee and decision. We will always tell you before anything about your land becomes public.
Can I speak to anyone who has worked with you? SB Land Partners is a new company but we can provide references from other projects we have worked on.